This Is Why Japan Is Now Infested with Raccoons
Raccoons are undeniably cute, with a reputation for rascal-like behaviour. And it was precisely these qualities that led to their huge popularity in Japan, prompted by a 1970s TV show. … Read More
Tag: Culture
The Real Reason Photos Are Banned in the Sistine Chapel
It is not about flash photography In 1512, Pope Julius II held a special vespers service. It was an evening event that was held to inaugurate the Sistine Chapel after … Read More
The Man Who Faked A Volcano Eruption – One Of The Greatest April Fools’ Hoaxes Ever
It is April Fool’s Day, so I thought it apt to share one of the greatest April Fool’s pranks ever. This is from my Intriguing Times Substack. It really happened. … Read More
The Unbelievable True Story Of The Only Person To Be Hit By A Meteorite
Ann Hodges was planning on a nap when a meteorite came through the roof I don’t want to be an alarmist, but meteorites hit the planet with terrifying regularity. For … Read More
The Strange History of Funny Surnames Around the World
Some surnames mean ‘born nude’, ‘nobody’, and ‘big butt’. By why? Surnames are ubiquitous now, but that wasn’t always the case. Sometimes people made them up on the spot and … Read More
Melting Roads, Strikes And Escaped Tigers: Disneyland’s Opening Was Disastrous
Broken rides, 15000 gatecrashers, plumbing issues, and a tiger getting loose made for a memorable start When Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955, it was broadcast live on the ABC … Read More
The Potsdam Giants: How A Prussian King’s Obsession Led To Kidnapping, Torture, And Eugenics
The true but dark story of an incredibly tall regiment This post originally came from my Substack – Intriguing Times. But it’s now behind a paywall, and is such a … Read More
What Did People Wipe With In The Past And Why Is The World Moving Beyond Toilet Paper?
Toilet paper is modern and isn’t the best option There was a weird focus on toilet paper at the start of the Covid pandemic, with lots of people panic-buying and … Read More
Tired of doomscrolling? Subscribe to something actually interesting
A while ago I was searching for something interesting to read about and instead, I found myself doomscrolling short videos of cats, people falling over, and angry morons getting instant … Read More